The Denver Broncos are grappling with the fallout of head coach Sean Payton’s expensive roster decisions.
Following the Broncos’ season-opening defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, Payton emphasized the need for better performance from the supporting cast around rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Despite Nix facing pressure and suffering two sacks behind an underperforming offensive line, the most glaring issues came from dropped passes by receivers.
Mark Kizla of The Denver Gazette criticized Payton’s approach, dubbing it the “$164 Million Folly” due to the substantial investments made in the offensive line without corresponding results. Kizla argues that the offensive line, which has received significant funding, is failing to protect the quarterback and block effectively.
Sean Payton’s tenure has seen three major contracts awarded to the offensive line in the past 17 months. Despite these investments—totaling $164 million in guaranteed money—the line’s performance has been mediocre. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, right guard Quinn Meinerz, and left guard Ben Powers have all received hefty contracts, but the unit has struggled to live up to expectations.
Pro Football Focus ranked the Broncos’ offensive line as strong in run-blocking and pass protection last year, yet Kizla describes it as “average at best” due to disappointing rushing statistics and high pressure rates. With limited flexibility for immediate changes, the Broncos are left to navigate the consequences of these costly decisions, with potential contract upgrades on the horizon for some players.